Reese on Play
by Terence Reese

Chess & Bridge, £14.20 inc. p&p from Mr Bridge, Ryden Grange, Bisley GU21 2TH, UK

Authors who put superlative words in a title risk having them shot down. On this occasion, Kelsey took little risk as the book contains a superb collection of fifty-eight deals containing instructive points for declarer and the defenders. As Ron Klinger points out in the foreword, it is almost impossible not to learn something from the book. I am impressed by the accuracy of the analysis, all worked out with no aid from computer programs like Deep Finesse. It was also well researched, with Kelsey juxtaposing hands played well with those on which a chance went First published in the post-war years when British bridge reigned supreme in Europe, this excellent book is happily available once more. Looking at the play of the cards both from declarer's and the defenders' perspective, it covers a wide range of topics. Intermediate and expert players alike should appreciate the way it extends beyond the reach of standard textbooks. Reese concentrates on the type of position that average players are apt to mishandle (or fail to recognise). The book has stood the test of time remarkably well; perhaps the now widespread use of count signals and the lead choices from ace-king are the only areas in which it lags behind. Although I had never read this book before, I came across what seemed like some familiar friends in places - unsurprisingly, other writers have taken up some of Reese's great ideas.

Reese has a distinctive, indeed unique, style. If he errs, it is on the side of brevity, but this normally works well. It enables him to include a large number of examples and it helps you to home in on the main point at hand. As you will find out, he omits anything he considers obvious, although at times he carries the principle a bit far. For instance, he asks you to lead dummy's suit - without telling you the bidding! Even-tually I worked out that the auction was the same as on the previous hand. You must also exercise care with seemingly sweeping statements. He avoids expressions like 'normally', 'generally', 'in circumstances like these', on occasion leaving the reader to work out the precise context in which the point under discussion might apply. That said, he chooses a very good set of examples, which well illustrate the themes. He also recognises that bidding and signalling methods do vary between partnerships.

Reese covers a variety of topics, such as: strategy of control, choosing a lead, promoting tricks, partnership tactics in defence, safety plays, communication plays, throw-ins, squeezes and trump coups. This deal is from the section on deception:

	A 5 K Q 10 3 A J 4 A Q 10 4
Q J 7 3 7 6 4 2 10 3 7 6 2		K 10 2 9 8 5 K 8 7 5 K 5 3
	9 8 6 4 A J Q 9 6 2 J 9 8

South plays in 3NT in a pairs contest (Reese only gives the bidding if he considers it relevant - a clever strategy to maintain the book's international appeal and stop it dating). West led 3 and East won with the king, returning the ten to dummy's ace. Declarer came to hand with a heart and took a losing club finesse. Knowing that a spade continuation would not defeat the contract, and that declarer might be willing to risk the contract for an overtrick, East played back a passive club. Falling for the trap, i.e. placing West with all the remaining spades, declarer tried the diamond finesse.

I can definitely recommend this book for anyone who would like to share in Reese's considerable insight and understanding about the play of the cards.

Julian Pottage

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